Leading The Way - Week of December 18
December 18, 2023
Peace in Praising God
By Michael Youssef, Ph.D.
Read Luke 1:46-56.
When young Mary learned from the angel Gabriel that she would soon be pregnant with the Son of God, she could have focused on all the hardship her pregnancy would surely bring her way. But Mary didn’t panic, of course. She asked one simple question of the angel: “How will this be, . . . since I am a virgin?” (Luke 1:34). It was an honest question, not an expression of doubt or disobedience. And once Gabriel told Mary that her pregnancy would be supernatural—the work of the Holy Spirit—she replied, “I am the Lord’s servant” (v. 38).
It was a beautiful, humble response, fitting for the woman God chose to be the mother of His Son. But Mary had another response as well, one that echoes down through the centuries and is known today as the Magnificat. In this song, Mary gives us an example to follow, one that will lead us back to peace.
The song begins, “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, . . .” (vv. 46-47). Why mention both her soul and her spirit? Because Mary wants everyone to know that she praises the Lord with her entire being and with her whole life. No matter what she is facing, no matter her circumstances—she is the Lord’s, totally and truly.
Mary’s song also points to the mercy and grace of God. Ultimately, it’s not about Mary or her calling; it’s about God and His goodness. The Son that would be born to Mary was God’s remedy for the problems of sin, death, and evil.
Finally, Mary highlighted the faithfulness of God in her song: “He has helped his servant Israel, remembering to be merciful to Abraham and his descendants forever, just as he promised our ancestors” (Luke 1:54-55). She was thinking about the Scriptures, all the stories of her people she had heard over the years, and she recognized that all of God’s promises were about to be fulfilled in the Savior growing in her womb.
I don’t know what you are walking through this Christmas season, but I want you to know that God is faithful. He never goes back on His promises. Whatever your circumstances, His lovingkindness and faithfulness will lift you up as you trust Him. So, spend time magnifying His name above all others, point to His mercy and grace in your life, and rest in His faithfulness.
Prayer: Father, I praise You for Your faithfulness. I know that as I focus on You—Your majesty and wondrous lovingkindness toward sinners—You will lift me above my struggles and bring peace and joy to my heart. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.
“From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name” (Luke 1:48-49).
Learn more in Dr. Michael Youssef’s sermon The Magnificat: LISTEN NOW | WATCH NOW
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Listen to Dr. Michael Youssef on today's broadcast of Leading The Way at OnePlace.com.
Watch Dr. Michael Youssef on this week's broadcast of Leading The Way at LightSource.com.
